Flu Vaccine...during a bout with STREP?

[terran631]

I've been somewhat of a lurker here but I had a question...

My ds is 10 years old. He is semi-vaxed. Hasn't had a vaccination since he was three. He is pretty healthy. I can count on one hand the number of times he's been sick and we've never gotten the flu vaccine. Well this past December he woke up one morning with a pretty bad sore throat and fever. I took him to the doctor and he tested positive for strep. While perscribing him the antibiotic for it, the doctor asked if I wanted to give him the flu vaccine while he's there. He wanted to give him the flu mist, which I was pretty sure was a live virus.

I wasn't going to do it anyway, but I asked the doctor if given my son a live vaccine while he already had strep was a good idea. He started to say that it was a weakened virus and I interrupted him and told him I didn't think it was the best idea to overtax his immune system. The doctor backed off. My question is, did I make this up? Isn't there some sort of contraindication with any vaccine when a kid is already sick?

[peainthepod]

You didn't make it up. Vaccines are contraindicated in sick people. It's in the package inserts for crying out loud (not that you can expect most docs to even read those).

Glad you knew better and I hope your son gets well soon.

[Marnica]

Originally Posted by peainthepod

You didn't make it up. Vaccines are contraindicated in sick people. It's in the package inserts for crying out loud (not that you can expect most docs to even read those).

Glad you knew better and I hope your son gets well soon.

Ditto!!!! I'd find a new doc!!

[Gitti]

Your doctor, just like the vast majority of doctors, has been trained to be a sales person for the pharmaceutical conglomerate. He was taught to use every opportunity to make a sale. He is not aware that he is being used but he also knows that he must follow pharmaceutical guide lines.

You have the responsibility to take care of your own health and that of your children. It is imperative that you learn to be your own doctor. The only exception is any trauma injury imo.

I have raised three children and although we did go see a doctor from time to time, it was always mainly for advice. I then decided what was to be done. All three of my children made it to adulthood without ever getting abx.

Good for you for setting that doctor straight. It may not have made any impression on him since most are beyond thinking for themselves.

Any yes, infection, pregnancy, or post-operative are contraindications for getting the flu vaccine. In the last few years that has been changed.
Why that change in policy didn't make doctors start to question the motives of the product manufacturer is baffling.

OT - but pertaining to strep -
http://mothering.com/discussions/sho...87#post7921187